[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING NEW JERSEY'S PROUD AGRICULTURAL TRADITION AND THE 
   CONTRIBUTIONS OF FARMS LOCATED IN THE 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize New 
Jersey's proud agricultural tradition and the contribution of farms 
located in our 11th Congressional District.
  The prospering agricultural industry of today's New Jersey is the 
continuation of many years of farming dating back to colonial 
settlement in the sixteenth century. Primarily a rural society, 
struggling settlers developed small family farms to stave off 
starvation. Soon local farms not only became an important source of 
fruits, vegetables, and grain, but also for raw materials used for the 
prospering textile industry. Easy access to cotton, wool, and other 
farm products fueled the Industrial Revolution in New Jersey. 
Agriculture became not only a very profitable industry on its own, but 
also fed secondary manufacturing and merchant businesses.
  Every day, farmers across the state raise animals, harvest 
vegetables, pick fruit, and participate in the 400 year old tradition 
that built New Jersey into an economic powerhouse.
  Today, New Jersey agriculture constitutes an $82 billion industry 
that provides a strong backbone for New Jersey's economy. It also 
benefits surrounding businesses with the growing popularity of 
agrotourism. This extremely successful business model involves enticing 
people from near and far to visit, learn about everyday farm-life, and 
participate in activities such pumpkin, wine tasting, hay rides, 
petting zoos, or horseback riding. This not only brings customers from 
the surrounding tri-state area to appreciate what New Jersey has to 
offer, but also fosters a greater public understanding of commercial 
farming. New Jersey's large agricultural sector provides employment, 
not only for farm workers, but also for those in construction for 
irrigation and drainage projects. This multibillion dollar industry 
supports New Jersey, providing jobs and raw materials, drawing in 
customers, and serving as its own lucrative business.
  New Jersey truly is the Garden State, as our motto says. Having a 
strong agricultural industry not only provides a great deal of economic 
benefits to New Jersey, but also contributes to a rich social tapestry. 
There are over 790,000 acres of lands across the state devoted to 
farmland. This has been celebrated as an extremely environmentally 
friendly use of land that preserves both a smaller carbon footprint and 
the beautiful greenery characteristic of New Jersey. In a world where 
food insecurity remains one of the most difficult problems for mankind 
to combat, thriving agriculture reduces the acuteness of this issue and 
diminishes our dependence on food imports. This land also provides 
access to fresh, locally grown foods, giving residents in the area 
healthier meal options. The agricultural industry is unparalleled in 
its contributions to New Jersey society, providing jobs, tourism, 
environmental protection, food security, raw materials for 
manufacturing, and so much more.
  Standing as a shining example of New Jersey's proud agricultural 
tradition is Wightman's Farms, located in Harding Township, Morris 
County. Celebrating their 90th Anniversary this year, Wightman's Farms 
has worked continuously to expand what began as a farm into the 
prospering business it is today. The farm is one of over 8,000 other 
family owned and operated farms in New Jersey that support their local 
and state economy. Currently managed by the third generation of 
Wightmans, the integration of tradition and innovation has certainly 
helped Wightman's Farms not only last the test of time, but develop 
into a flourishing business enjoyed by customers near and far.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
New Jersey's agricultural tradition and the contributions of 11th 
District farmers.

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